Can you believe it just about a year and a half ago I started this blog spurred on by what was the final 12 tags of Christmas 2011.

It felt like any other post would not quite fit this rather special occasion. After all it started with 12 tags and so my 150th post (and believe me I have been putting off posting some other projects to make it so) is my Mixed Media Journal Pages for april as always based on the Maestro Tim Holtz’s Tag

Now as usual I was missing a rather major component of this tag this month. No distress paints as yet. However I had an idea and it all started with the dragonfly.

The dragonfly was actually done in stages the first being the wire wings. I used the Tattered Angels Dragonfly stamp and made wire frames using the cover piece that is printed and wire, when I was happy with my wire work (it was never going to be an exact match) I then covered the frames in fantasy film (there are different types of this the one I used is sort of like a cellophane that you crinkle to get pretty shimmery effects).
You then heat it the more you heat it the less the shimmer shows but the more you get some cool melted spots and holes. I did quite a few layers wrapped around and around to get mine to look like they do.

Then I beaded the body with swarovski beads (from ebay before you go but she is a on a budget I lucked out and got them very cheaply). Then attatched it with yet more wire to the wings ( you twist them all together then wire the beads over the center).

I then decided to try stamping each wing with the dragonfly stamp I think it turned out pretty well (though I would suggest doing this before you put your dragonfly together).

I then stamped the body on a small piece of Manila cs and fussy cut it. I tried it plain but was not feeling it so added in the watch parts for my cogs and gears steam punk style element and that is how I got my funky dragon fly.

After I had been working on my background a bit and when I had used some expresso paint dabber on the watch parts I also ran it over the dragonfly for more of a distressed grungy look. I also rubbed over a little crushed soft charcoal.

the dragonfly really was the inspiration for my page. I saw Tim’s and have done the acetate type thing before and being me was like how can I make mine a bit different. I have been working with Fantasy film making butterflies for my Happiness Jar Decorating Kits (will do a blog about the kits soon) and was like Bingo.

Here is the page:

I did distress stains on Ranger Manila cs. For the background and also inked over it with a mix of tea dye, vintage photo and walnut stain (the holy trinity for a true aged distress look). I also rubbed over some crushed soft willow charcoal (it is so hard to explain what it does but it really adds another element to your distress)

Added in the tissue tape Nostaligic and inked over it with tea dye just to tone it in a little.

Then I will be honest I got stuck. I had no real idea about what I wanted to do next. I had my dragonfly stamped where I wanted it. The background pages done, the Journaling book pages inked so it all toned together but not a clue as to what I even wanted to do next so I left it alone for almost a week.

Tonight the damn burst and my mojo was in full swing as I pulled out some stamps ( two sets Air Travel and Urban Tapestry)

I used the big map stamp all over my background inked with picket fence distress stain. I really love how this looked over the background.

I then used my favorite brilliance ink Coffee Bean (I really need to get a re-inker for mine I use it so much) and used the ticket stamp and stamped bits of it over the page.

I then did the same with the Ink splatter stamp.

Used the compass stamp and embossed it in gold. Liked it so much I used the ink splatter stamp in some spots and embossed them in gold as well.

Added in the quote stamp which did not stamp perfectly but I kinda like that it didn’t it fits the whole grungy vintage vibe.

Added in the corner flourishes in black from yet another set of Tim Stamps (not sure of the name they are clear acrylic ones from ages ago).

Then thought about what else I could do. Went to my Tim/Ranger embellishment box and found some Alpha cards and thought ooooh so cut out the letters for April, inked them in tea dye and that is it.

Aprils Mixed Media Journal pages broken down and completed.

I have been having so much fun doing Mixed Media Journaling for the tags this year. Not only am I getting to play with the new techniques that we get each month (or improvising when I do not have the stuff to use) but I get to stretch my mixed media skills and I really love just getting to fool around and play.

If you haven’t guessed it yet I am a crazy fly by the seat of my pants crafter it is very rare for me to plan what I am doing I just tend to flow and hope I get something good out of it.

Have to say I am so pleased with how these pages turned out. It was so much fun to go from a pristine shimmery dragonfly to a steampunk grungy vintage type one still with some of the irradecence.

And so we come to the end of this amazing Milestone. For anyone who has been taking my creative journey with me I appreciate you visiting.

I love hearing your comments on my work and enjoy being inspired by you all.